01/10/2026
Dear Elliott:
Here we are again. It’s January 10th – one of my least favorite days of the year. But the only thing that matters to me on this day is acknowledging you. You were nearly 15 years old when you left and today marks 16 years since you’ve been gone. 16 years since I last held you in my arms, since you took your last breaths…breaths that when they stopped took a piece of my soul with you. My grief was all consuming then, and I still mourn you all of these years later. But it’s because I loved you so much and that you brought me so much happiness, that I will always feel the pain of your absence. I wouldn’t change a moment of our life together, even if it meant that I would no longer feel grief.
Elliott, you were born on my birthday in 1995 (you turned 30 last year!) - we were simply meant to be…soul mates. Our travels together took us through lots of happiness, intermittent sadness, many moves, dates and boyfriends. No length of time would ever have been enough. I will miss you until my heart stops beating and we are reunited.
I truly believed I would/could never love another dog again. I heard your phantom footsteps in our home and couldn’t even look at other dogs out for a walk. But somehow, your life with me and your body’s need to leave, was ground zero for a new journey that has changed my life and touched countless others.
While you were never a fan of other canines, I know it was you who made sure that God created the ideal formula of the perfect companion for me. It took 2 ½ years after your departure for the Rainbow Bridge, but you knew when I was ready (even though I didn’t know). I was still grieving you, as I do today, but you knew that loving another dog wouldn’t mean I had forgotten you. You knew that my heart had so much more love to give...even though I wasn’t completely convinced.
My dear Elliott, all because of you: I have Cooper in my life and he brings smiles to countless faces through his adventures; I have a company (which includes your name Inspired by Cooper & Elliott) where I get to create art that has helped heal hurting hearts and bring smiles to pet owners; I have taken thousands of photographs because I am able to am “talk” to dogs to get the right shot; and I have been so fortunate to spend my days doggy au pairing for the most wonderful fur babies. All of this brings more happiness into the world and into my heart. It’s all happening because you, my little, intelligent, handsome Papillon boy.
You have now been gone longer than you have lived, but you have never left my heart or head. And now I know for sure that you are not alone, as you are with my Mom, your MiMi. You will always be a part of me. You changed my world since the first day we met – you started it all and are my inspiration. Thank you, my sweet Elliott, for coming into my life and inspiring me in so many ways.
Love,
Mommy
